Tomas Hertl’s return should help the Sharks to a victory Saturday

Winning % on the season= 59%
Record of previous Week: 4-2

I've picked up the pace in recent weeks inching ever closer to that 60% winning percentage. I'll have one last chance to eclipse that milestone on the regular season finale weekend. Many of you have already completed your head-to-head fantasy leagues, while others are in finals week right up to Sunday, as are the rotisserie segment.

This weekend is always tricky every year with the litany of surprise healthy scratches that pop up every which way, cancelling out some of your careful and tedious lineup planning down the stretch as some of you approach max game limits.

Well, I'll do my best to help you navigate through those waters, and maybe make a few bucks while you're at it!

(~~ Follow Anthony Lancione on Twitter @Anthisdaman)

Buffalo @ Boston (12:30pm ET)
By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

After Chad Johnson relieved Tuukka Rask once again Thursday night, and failed to deliver the goods, definitely expect Rask to get one last start in before Round1/Game 1. Plan accordingly to find a goalie who will be starting Sunday, as Rask will almost assuredly be benched on the 2nd night of the double header. You can check www.goaliepost.com Saturday for the goods, one day in advance. Boston sits on top of the NHL but have really been in cruise control of late. So much so that they've only won once in five tries in April. However, Buffalo might be just the serum needed to get back on track and kick it into high gear for the impending playoffs, set to begin on Wednesday evening. Take em' for plus money on runline (for a victory by more than one goal)

Pick
Boston – Home Team Win– H+(ProLine)

Philadelphia @ Pittsburgh (3:00pm ET)
By the Numbers -Frozen Pools

Pittsburgh too have seemingly taken the foot off the pedal the past couple weeks, as Dan Bylsma takes turns rotating his star players in and out of the lineup to freshen up for the stretch run. Last Sunday alone, the likes of Sidney Crosby, Olli Maata and Chris Kunitz all got a breather. Expect more of that today. Perhaps it'll be James Neal taking a turn now. You can, however, fairly confidently plug Kris Letang back into your lineup. What a dream story this may turnout to be, coming off an unspeakable stroke; only in his mid-twenties, only to now be getting his rust out of the system in Pittsburgh's remaining games. The Flyers have only won three times in their last 10 games though, so Pittsburgh should edge Philly, though the battle of Pennsylvania always offers surprises.

Pick
Pittsburgh – Home Team Win – H(ProLine)

Toronto @ Ottawa (7:00pm ET)
By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

The Battle for Ontario supremacy will noticeably be lacking some punch and fanfare this time around as both squads will be golfing in a few days time. For the Leafs particularly, this has been a truly embarrassing and outright pathetic downspin. For the third straight season, the Leafs campaign has ended in an unspeakable collapse.—two epic standings plunges sandwiching the infamous game seven in-game collapse in last years 1st round. Toronto has gone from 9th place in the NHL overall to 22 in under a month- Scary stuff. Nothing will likely prevent them from sinking further into their misery. Expect Ottawa to get a W here, amid what is sure to be a fight-a-thin. Don't be surprised to see all the heavyweights out.

Pick

Ottawa – Home Team Win – H(ProLine)

Chicago @ Nashville (8:00pm ET)
By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

These division rivals are singing very different tunes this year as the unceremonious ending to Nashville's season contrasts immensely with the Blackhawks preparing to strike hard now to defend their title. Even, without Toews and Kane in the lineup they've refrained from struggling, winning four-straight contests. Yes Nashville is hot as we speak; sporting a nifty 7-1-2 record over their last 10, but they are due for a reality check against the champs.

Pick
Chicago – Visiting Team Win – V (ProLine)

San Jose @ Phoenix (9:00pm ET)
By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

The Sharks will surely have a rested Antii Niemi returned to the lineup after young, back-up, Alex Stalock was given what will surely be his last start until next season(barring disaster in post-season action).  But once again, don't forget to check with www.goaliepost.com the day-of to be sure. (As I type, Stalock has been in excellent form shutting the door thus far against the potent Avalanche lineup). A sight for sore eyes was delivered to the San Jose faithful Friday night in the form of the return of super rookie, Tomas Ninja-Hertl, following a four month injury layoff!

Pick
San Jose – Visiting Team Win – V(ProLine)

Vancouver @ Edmonton (10:00pm ET)
By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

It's been yet another tumultuous season in Oil land, planting plenty more suffering seeds in Edmonton soil, as this was supposed to be the year they took a step forward. However, the number of offensive stars in the lineup have not nearly been strong enough to cancel out the horrid defensive situation. Even former depth defender on Boston, Andrew Ference, came into town, was counted on to impart tips to his fellow blueliners. The thought  was he could draw from his experience in the excellent Claude Julien system that saw him win nearly two Stanley cups in three years. However, it was to no avail. They remain a putrid defensive squad, forwards included. Still, the Oilers will look to finish off their season on a positive note, and feast on an even more emotionally distressed team in Vancouver who is not used to missing the playoffs.  

Pick
Edmonton – Home Team Win Plus– H+(ProLine)

Good luck everyone!

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